Dragonflies spend considerable time in flight and are aggressive insectivores with large transparent membranous wings and huge compound eyes. This Green Darner is the largest contemporary dragonfly. Fossil record expose ancient dragonflies with 28 inch wingspans. The immature stages are aquatic with gills. Adult coloration develops after emerging from the aquatic stage with the male and female displaying differentiate coloration. This native Hawaiian species with a green thorax and blue abdomen rides the thermals of Waimea Canyon after several years as an aquatic naiad. They are frequently seen in tandem mating flight, or patrolling their territory.